Replacing the heater matrix Maserati 3200gt auto 1999

Replacing the heater matrix
Maserati 3200gt auto 1999
The object of this project is to replace the heater core matrix. Below are two pictures of the old (left) and the new matrix, side by side.
The reason for me doing this project was that after using the car steam/condensation would be left on the internal side of the windscreen.
I had explored the area of the pollen filter and found that this was clear as was the air condition pipe which exhausts to the side of the gearbox. After carrying
out these recommended tasks I felt that the possibility of the matrix leaking became a strong possibility.
Surfing the web and viewing all Maserati forums a post of the matrix requiring replacing had been mentioned as a possible reason and the fact too that I had to
re-fill my coolant every now and then made it strong a possibility.
Tools & parts required - Screw drivers, socket set, Torx keys, masking tape, tray for collecting water, portable light.
Heater Matrix/core (as pictured below right) purchased from a company on line called “seekparts 24” based in Germany.
The part seems to be also the same that is used on an Alfa Romeo 166.
The part details: Hella – 8FH 351 308-401 (Prices in March 2011 euro’s = 50.20 plus 15.90 for postage to the UK)
Also order a single tube of Terson Terostat-9200 1 K-PUR. This will required to re-seal the heater unit.
The new heater matrix comes with the foam that allows the matrix unit to sit within the heater unit as a tight fit.
But before you get to this point you have to take the entire dashboard out to allow excess to the heater unit.
The following pictures and notes hopefully will help you when tackling this project, good luck and have patience!
If you are lucky enough to have a copy of the 3200 manual then the instructions on taking the dash board out are accurate and very helpful – this is what I
followed.
I started taking the dash out over the course of a few weekends a few hours at a time taking it easy in the process.
Putting back to together the dash board and including the refitting and sealing the new matrix a day and a half at most. A classic case of once I knew how it all
came apart I was never going to forget how to put it together again!
A couple of tips, use a digital camera on each part of the process when taking apart and use masking tape to identify the cables and name them each this will
save you time when putting back together.
Below is a picture of what you car will look like once everything that needs to be taken out is out........... scary
stuff!!
Use the 3200 manual as does list how to take out/remove all the parts of the dashboard. You will have to take everything out to get to the heater unit which
houses the leaking heater matrix.
First open windows of the car before disconnecting the battery.
Disconnect the battery
Remove the “A” frame pillars from each side of the windscreen area – these are held in by clips.
Now remove the dashboard top – there are screws holding the dashboard top in place and you will have to remove the centre vent grill to gain excess to the
screws as shown in the picture below
Now the removal of the centre console.
Removing the centre console allows the removal of the main dashboard area later on
There are screws to be removed under the ash tray once removed.
Then remove the rear vents that and this will allow to you to gain access to the 2x Hex screws.
The manual says that you now remove the handbrake handle. I couldn’t do this so I had to carefully cut the cable tie within the leather enclosure around the
handbrake and then cut along the stitching this then allowed me lift and remove the centre console.
Now remove the speedometer console.
It is best removing the fixing screws first as it will then allow you to turn the console and see the connections at the rear and so allowing them to be
photographed/marked .
The fixing screws are located just above the steering column
Removing the steering wheel
Remove the steering wheel housing surrounding the indicators and steering wheel area. Hex bolts
which unscrew from underneath.
Use a torx key to undo the airbag - see picture below
The picture to the right shows the air bag removed and also the steering wheel nut removed to. There are also small crossed headed screws that must be
removed.
Spray a little WD40 into the centre nut area.
Now the steering wheel will be able come away but may need a little help from a tap
or two.
The picture to the right shows the steering has been rifled; take note to know how it goes back exactly so
the wheel will not be off set, otherwise when replacing the wheel will be off centre when driving.
Now remove the indicators (see above photos)
Remove which ever radio is fitted.
Now remove aircon/heating controls
Other disconnections required
There are many connectors they will need to be disconnected including the airbag switch (left hand side of dashboard area), sensors for temperature, headlight
height adjustment, side mirrors, clock connections etc. Most of these you will be able to see still in place and require just a hand around the back of the
dashboard to unplug the cables.
Remove air bag unit and this will then allow access to the bolts behind which need to be undone too and allow the dashboard to come away later.
Take a look in and around the dashboard and you should be able to see any other connectors that will require disconnecting.
Refer to the 3200 manual as now the dash board should be removed and also the black vent system for the windscreen. They both need to have their fixing
screws and bolts removed.
There are also fixings for the dashboard unit low down either side. of the dashboard
Some of the screws holding the dashboard are within the two side air vents. So remove the vents and this will allow access (need a torch to see) Hex bolts.
The next part is a bit awkward as the dash and the vent system almost come out at the same time.
The reason for this is the brackets to the bulk head sit on top of each other and will require a little giggling.
You may also require another pair of hands to help lift out the dash board.
Remove the electrical loom that goes along the heater unit and requires being taken away and put to one side.
Remove the securing screws and bolts for the heater unit
Undo clips for the feeds to the unit – Have cloths and
painting roller tray to catch the coolant
Heater unit coming away from fixing points
Right– is the picture of the heater unit removed from the car.
Note the inlet and outlet of the heater matrix within the unit
There are a few cross head screws to be undone and this allows you to
take out the heater matrix
Below the picture shows the matrix removed and the coolant in the bottom of the unit which leaked out on to the radio and then on to
the carpet etc
The bottom the matrix – foam wet from leak
See the pictures of the old matrix
next to new Hella matrix. (Foam to
be added – which is supplied with
the unit)
Once the new heater matrix has been replace then it is time to re-seal the unit
using the Terason-9200 sealant 1K- PUR (Made by Henkel) .
Apply this sealant within the groove of the unit and then screw back together.
Now – Once you have re-sealed the
heater unit with the new matrix safely
inside its time to put it all back
together!
Don’t panic as it a lot easier than
taking apart.
Remember to add coolant once everything is completed